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Leaderboard RN to BSN 2019

Nursing

Welcome to the Rend Lake College Nursing Department. We hope you will find the information needed to help you get started with a wonderful career in the nursing field. Specific questions about the application and admission to the program can be directed to the Director of Nursing at 618-437-5321 Ext. 1763.

Getting started with our Nursing program is easy. Follow the steps below, in order.

 

  APPLY TO RLC  

If you have never been a student at RLC, the first step is to apply to the college.

    TEST   

 Once you are enrolled at RLC, the next step is to test. Click the button to learn all about Allied Health Testing and how to get started.

    APPLY TO NURSING    

The final step is to submit the application to our Nursing program.

 

About Our Program

About Our Program

The Associate Degree Nursing Program is designed to prepare nurses who, as beginning practitioners, are able to give quality nursing care to clients and function as members of nursing and health care teams. Registered nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, physicians’ offices, clinics, and community agencies.

The Rend Lake College nursing program at Rend Lake College at the Ina campus located in Ina, Illinois is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The Associate Degree Nursing program is designed to provide career mobility with an emphasis focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, decision making related to the clinical area, clinical reasoning, and nursing judgment. Graduates will be prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of health care settings.

To remain in the program, the student must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course. It is also essential to demonstrate competence in dosage calculations and math skills. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approves this program. Upon graduation, the student may be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).

Please see the Nursing Handbook for complete curriculum information. 

Nursing Program Mission Statement

Nursing Program Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare Associate Degree Nursing graduates to become lifelong learners and to function as multidisciplinary team members; able to provide safe, competent care addressing the changing needs of individuals, family, and the community across the lifespan. This goal is accomplished through instruction and practice of nursing skills, use of critical thinking and problem solving, and demonstration of effective oral and written communication throughout the steps of the nursing process.

Nursing Program Philosophy Statement

Nursing Program Philosophy Statement

The philosophy of the Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing Program reflects the mission and vision of the college; embracing cultural diversity and viewing each student as having inherent worth and potential. The program prepares the student for professional nursing roles and is a dynamic process that promotes the synthesis of information from evidence-based research through general studies, the sciences, and nursing experiences. Faculty members serve as facilitators of learning, provide guided experiential opportunities, and assist students to expand their knowledge and attain competencies, as well as furthering the development of professional roles and values.

Nursing education will be based on conceptualized learning and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) core competencies of patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics. Rend Lake College nursing faculty provide a learning environment that is student-friendly and promotes professional commitment and self-direction.

Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing Graduate Outcomes

Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing Graduate Outcomes

Upon completion of the second year of Rend Lake College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program, the student will:

  1. Demonstrate clinical judgment to provide individualized, holistic, culturally diverse, patient-centered care to individuals, families, and communities across the life span.
  2. Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team and client system in the healthcare continuum.
  3. Utilize evidence-based practice for nursing interventions that are appropriate for diverse populations with multi-faceted healthcare needs across the lifespan.
  4. Manage healthcare for the individual using cost-effective nursing strategies, quality improvement processes, and current technology.
  5. Delegate safe nursing interventions in collaboration with the patient and family by utilizing leadership principles to provide competent patient care, health education, and health promotion.
  6. Incorporate healthcare information technology in nursing practice to improve the quality and safety of patient care throughout the nursing process.
  7. Demonstrate personal accountability and professionalism as defined in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses

Special Admission Requirements ­For Two Year ADN Nursing Program

Special Admission Requirements ­For Two Year ADN Nursing Program

Admission of a student to the Associate Degree Nursing program shall be based solely on the qualifications of that student. College and state admissions policies are used to determine theses qualifications. All students wishing to enter the new two year ADN program must meet the following as minimum requirements:

  • Submit a completed Rend Lake College application form.
  • Submit a completed Associate Degree Nursing program application.
  • Be a graduate from an accredited high school or have successfully completed the GED exam.
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools (or official GED test scores) and post-secondary institutions attended.
  • An overall college GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to Nursing program.
  • Achieve a competitive score on the pre-entrance exam for the ADN program.
  • Complete English 1101 with a grade of a "C" or better.
  • Complete CNA 1201 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Complete MATH 1403, 1407, 1408 or higher unless math placement scores meet the following criteria:
    • ASSET Intermediate Algebra Score: 39+
    • ASSET College Algebra Score: 30+
    • COMPASS Algebra Score: 64+
    • COMPASS College Algebra Score: 24+
    • ACT Math Score: 22+
    • ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Score: 85+
    • ACCUPLACER College Algebra Score: 63+
    • SAT Math Score: 550+

Other requirements upon notification of conditional acceptance-see handbook

Degrees & Certificates in Nursing

Degrees & Certificates in Nursing

ALLIED HEALTH DIVISION

NURSING - Degree

NURSING - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Nursing program is designed to provide a career mobility path for individuals interested in health care. The curriculum is a concept-based method of instruction emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, decision making, clinical reasoning, and nursing judgment. Graduates will be prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of health care settings.

Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each course, as well as demonstrate competency in dosage calculations and math skills. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approves this program. Upon graduation, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students who prefer to test out at the practical nurse level may do so after completing the first two semesters of listed coursework and then completing NURS 1212 – Practical Nurse Role Development (4 credit hours).

The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois.  It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.

► Total = 64 Hours

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availability and more information.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Competency in math (see admission requirements)

A criminal history background check & drug testing are required.

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

2 ZOO 1105 & 1106 and MICR 1101 must have been completed within the last five years.

ACCELERATED BSN w/ SIUE

ACCELERATED BSN w/ SIUE

There has never been a better time to train for a great job in nursing. You can now earn a bachelor’s degree in the field without leaving the area, thanks to a new offer from Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  

RLC and SIUE have teamed up to offer an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing track. Students can take classes at RLC for three years and begin a job in their profession while working online to obtain their BSN from SIUE.

Accelerated RN to BSN | RLC & SIUE

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availability and more information.

Pre-requisites (3 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

Pre-requisites (3 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs. at RLC

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs. at RLC

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

Summer Term (10 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

Summer Term (10 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

Third Semester (11 Cr. Hrs. at RLC & 4 Cr. Hrs. at SIUE)

Third Semester (11 Cr. Hrs. at RLC & 4 Cr. Hrs. at SIUE)

  • NURS 240R1 Pathophysiology (SIUE) (4)
  • NURS 1214 Medications in Nursing (2)
  • NURS 2212 Health Care Concepts (3)
  • NURS 2213 Health Care Concepts Clinical (2)
  • NURS 2214 Health Systems Concepts (3)
  • NURS 2215 Health Systems Concepts Clinical (2)
  • PSYC 2101 Intro to Psychology (3)
Fourth Semester (12 Cr. Hrs. at RLC & 3 Cr. Hrs. at SIUE)

Fourth Semester (12 Cr. Hrs. at RLC & 3 Cr. Hrs. at SIUE)

  • NURS 335R1 Health Assessment Strategies (SIUE) (3)
  • NURS 2201 Registered Nurse Review Course (2)
  • NURS 2216 Complex Health Concepts (6)
  • NURS 2217 Complex Health Concepts Clinical (4)
Additional General Ed Courses to Complete B.S. Degree (31 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

Additional General Ed Courses to Complete B.S. Degree (31 Cr. Hrs. at RLC)

FINE ARTS

  • ART 1101 or
    MUSI 1100 or
    THEA 1106 (3)

 

  • MATH 11053 Basic Concepts of Stats (3)
  • MATH 1107 Contemporary College Math (3)
  • PHIL 21013 Logic (3)
  • PHIL 2104/21023 Ethics/Medical Ethics (3)

IS/EGC

  • ART 2111 or
    ENGL 2101/2113 or
    PHIL 2103/2105 (3)

SS/PS/LS

  • Additional Social/Life/Physical Science (3)

Physical Science

  • AST 1101 or
    GEOL 1101 or
    MATH 1108 (3)

Electives (7)

SIUE Semester One - Post ADN & RN License (7 Cr. Hrs. at SIUE)

SIUE Semester One - Post ADN & RN License (7 Cr. Hrs. at SIUE)

  • NURS 472R1 Scholarly Inquiry: Connecting Research to Practice (3)
  • NURS 475R1 Care of Populations (4)
SIUE Semester Two - Post-ADN & RN License (8 Crs. Hrs. at SIUE)

SIUE Semester Two - Post-ADN & RN License (8 Crs. Hrs. at SIUE)

  • NURS 484R1 Quality, Safety & the Professional Nurse (4)
  • NURS 480R1 Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (4)

LPN to RN BRIDGE

LPN to RN BRIDGE

Current Licensed Practical Nurses interested in obtaining their associate degree in nursing may complete one, four-hour course before enrolling in the second year of the Associate Degree coursework. All program requirements apply. The student must be accepted into the Nursing Program and have completed ZOO 1106 with a “C” or better within the last five years, prior to enrollment.

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availability and more information.

 
PRACTICAL NURSING - Certificate

PRACTICAL NURSING - Certificate

Students who prefer to test out at the practical nurse level may do so after completing two semesters of listed Associate Degree coursework and then completing NURS 1212.

The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois.  It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.

► Total = 37 Hours

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availability and more information.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Competency in math (see admission requirements)

A criminal history background check & drug testing are required.

Each course in the curriculum must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to meet program requirements.

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Summer Term (4 Cr. Hrs.)

Summer Term (4 Cr. Hrs.)

  • NURS 1212 Practical Nurse Role Development (4)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

2 ZOO 1105 & 1106 and MICR 1101 or 1111 must have been completed within the last five years.

Nursing Brochures

Nursing Brochures

Nursing Brochure

Nursing Handbook

Program Goals

Program Goals

  1. Determine appropriate fundamental skills needed to provide nursing care for patients.
  2. Identify appropriate pharmacology measures for safe administration of medications.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to choose appropriate leadership actions given specific situations.
  4. Perform as a competent and safe entry-level Registered Nurse
Program Effectiveness Data

Program Effectiveness Data

Pass Rates

  • 2016=80%
  • 2017=81%
  • 2018=80%
  • 2019=64%
  • 2020=75%

Completion Rates

  • 2019=71.4%
  • 2020=53.6%
Nursing FAQ

Nursing FAQ

Please read all application materials and the section of the catalogue that pertains to your program of interest. Many of your questions may be answered there.

Does everything have to be into the Director of Nursing’s office before the deadline?

Does everything have to be into the Director of Nursing’s office before the deadline?

Yes, all college transcripts, transcript evaluation (if necessary), and program application must be in prior to the deadline. All additional information must be turned in also.

Does the nursing department have an admission fee?

Does the nursing department have an admission fee?

No

Do I have to be accepted by the College before I can be accepted into any of the nursing programs?

Do I have to be accepted by the College before I can be accepted into any of the nursing programs?

Yes. Please go to the Rend Lake College website and complete the online application.

When do the nursing programs start?

When do the nursing programs start?

The program accepts new students each fall semester.

How long are the nursing programs?

How long are the nursing programs?

The Associate degree program consists of 4 consecutive semesters.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

We accept approximately 50-60 students in Associate degree program each year.

Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?

Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?

You may turn in the application form before you ask other schools to send transcripts. As long as your file is complete before the deadline, it is not important in what order things arrive. It is your responsibility to make sure we receive everything needed for your file before the deadline.

Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?

Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?

We expect prospective nursing students to meet with a nursing advisor before registering for the nursing programs.

Do students have to do clinical work?

Do students have to do clinical work?

Yes, there is a required amount clinical work required by the state of Illinois.

Can I go part-time?

Can I go part-time?

General education coursework may be completed on a part-time basis. However, once the nursing program begins, coursework is completed only on a full-time basis.

How do you choose candidates?

How do you choose candidates?

Psychological Services Bureau test scores are used, with preference given to in-district students.

Do I need my own computer?

Do I need my own computer?

Many courses include computer and Internet-based assignments. Having your own computer gives you more freedom in completing course assignments. Computer labs are available on campus for student use. As a student, you receive free access from home to the Internet and an email address.

Can I work while completing the programs?

Can I work while completing the programs?

This will depend on the type of job that you have. The nursing programs require a large amount of independent study time outside of class. While some students continue to work part-time throughout the program, most find this a challenge. We recommend that students plan their schedules prior to starting the program to ensure that they have enough time to attend to family matters, attend class and have time at home to complete independent study activities.

 

Accreditation

The Rend Lake College nursing program at Rend Lake College at the Ina campus located in Ina, Illinois is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

    https://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp

 

articulation 1 icon

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements document a pathway between two or more colleges or universities and their academic programs.

Central Methodist University - Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing - Nursing

Eastern Illinois University - Nursing

Illinois State University Mennonite College Nursing Pathway MOU

Indiana Wesleyan University - Nursing

McKendree University - Nursing

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Partnership Agreement RN-to-BSN

 

Nursing Informational Meetings

Thinking of becoming a nurse? Attend one of our informational meetings below. 

02 Mar 2021 05:00PM
Nursing Program Virtual Informational Meetings
18 Mar 2021 11:00AM
Nursing Program Virtual Informational Meetings

 

 

Headlines

  • RLC Nursing Program receives accreditation from ACEN

    RLC Nursing Program receives accreditation from ACEN

    INA, Ill. (Oct. 9, 2020) — The Rend Lake College Nursing Program has been granted its initial accreditation by the leading authority for nursing education. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing granted RLC accreditation to its associate nursing program during its Board of Commissioners meeting in September. “Being accredited ensures quality standards to produce highly qualified...
  • Five pandemic-proof careers

    Five pandemic-proof careers

    INA, Ill. (Aug. 6, 2020) — When shelter-in-place orders took hold in the United States this spring, many jobs were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to April the unemployment rate in the United States jumped from 3.5% to 14.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Illinois, the unemployment rate peaked at 17.2% in April and remained at 14.6% as of June. But as the...

  • Health care forum at RLC addresses workforce demands

    UPDATE — Due to ongoing health concerns with COVID-19, Rend Lake College has canceled the following event. RLC is committed to the safety of students, faculty, staff and the public and is working to limit large gatherings during this time. For up-to-date information on the college’s plan moving forward, visit rlc.edu/coronavirus.     INA, Ill. (Feb. 19, 2020) — Rend Lake College and the Illinois...

Faculty & Staff

Dr. Susan Wiley
Dr. Susan Wiley
Director of Nursing Program
Phone Extension: 1763
Building: South Oasis
Office: 123
D.N.P., M.S.N. & B.S.N., McKendree University | A.A.S. Rend Lake College
Lynn Salesberry
Lynn Salesberry
Nursing Instructor Professor
Phone Extension: 1709
Building: South Oasis
Office: 118
A.D.N., Illinois Eastern Community College | M.S.N.E., South University
Denise Griffith
Denise Griffith
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1808
Building: South Oasis
Office: 120
M.S.N. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | B.S.N. McKendree University
Sarah Hopfinger
Sarah Hopfinger
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1781
Building: South Oasis
Office: 125
M.S.N. & B.S.N., University of Southern Indiana
Dr. Tracy Smith
Dr. Tracy Smith
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1759
Building: South Oasis
Office: 122
D.N.P., McKendree University | M.S.N. & B.S.N., Regis University | A.D.N., Illinois Eastern Community College

Allied Health Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health

 


 

Getting Started Is Easy As 1 - 2- 3!

1 
Apply 

2 
Advisement

3 
Financial Aid

 

 

Connect with us!
Visit our Welcome Center
Located just inside the main door of the Baker Administration Building
[email protected] • 618.437.5321, Ext. 1343

College office hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM • Friday 8 AM – 4 PM 
Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 4 PM During Summer

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Upcoming Events

Scholarship Applications Due
Mar 01 2021
Student Trustee Ballots Ready for Inspection
Mar 01 2021
Student Trustee Absentee Voting
Mar 02 2021
Nursing Program Virtual Informational Meetings
Mar 02 2021
Student Trustee Elections
Mar 03 2021
Midterm
Mar 05 2021
Grant & Scholarship Refund Checks Issued
Mar 17 2021
Rad Tech Program Virtual Informational Meetings
Mar 17 2021
Nursing Program Virtual Informational Meetings
Mar 18 2021
Herbs: From Garden to Kitchen
Mar 25 2021